On this day, 15 years ago, a little game called Super Smash Bros. came out on the Nintendo 64 in North America. Since then, the successful franchise has had two more additional entries, and a fourth one potentially coming out later on this year. For me, this was the stepping stone to becoming who I am today, from discovering my favorite Nintendo franchises to eventually finding the wonderful community of My IGN here. Being one of my favorite video game series of all-time, I can't help but fondly recall all the wonderful moments I've had during these past 15 years.

Where it all began...

During my early childhood life, the Nintendo 64 was my primary gaming system. I didn't really care about anything else; I just loved playing the games that were given to me. However, one day, I went to my cousin's place as usual when I saw the intro playing before my eyes on the television screen. He just told me that it recently came out, and he proceeded to ask me if I wanted to join him in the game; of course, I never turned down the offer to play. Being a newbie of the game, I selected whoever appealed to me the most at the time, who I believe was Link.

That day started a tradition that endures even as I write this. We were, and still are, incredibly competitive with this game (and series), but it is through this understanding that we were also able to have such a great time for each "Smashing" session.

When my brother and I obtained our own copy of the game, we began messing around with all the other modes of the game, with hilarious results if I may add! We had our own version of Pong, using Samus' powerful charge shot and two Foxes bouncing the energy blast back and forth with their reflectors, and we would always laugh whenever our shields broke or get blasted off with a whopping 600% of damage. There was also this weird glitch (if one would call it that) with having Fox using the reflector on four red shells; it was comical to see him rack up maximum damage everytime!

Of course, there were a couple things that I still recall. Of how Link was the main hero of the Zelda series instead of 'Zelda'. How we were baffled with our discovery that Samus was, in fact, a woman by seeing her getting shot by a lazer gun.

Or how I never unlocked Ness until the Wii Virtual console release... XD

One of the greatest sequels of all-time

What I adore about Super Smash Bros. Melee is how much of a step up it was compared to the beloved 64 entry. With the plethora of new modes and refinements of gameplay to incredible depths, Melee truly feels like the core Smash Bros. experience.

It was also the first entry where just about my whole posse of younger relatives were able to join what my older cousin and I first established. Alongside Melee's hectic gameplay speeds, just about every match of ours was as frantic as the closest matches in sports games. We jeered whenever someone got knocked out first from the frenzied free-for-all matches, and during our most epic failures, we all laughed heartily; we roared when the confrontation between the remaining two players reached its final moments.

It always seemed to come down between my older cousin and myself.

Even with the solo experience, Melee kept me busy with all the additional modes and single player options. The final events were grueling and really tested my skills as a Smasher, and I had to be creative to beat my times in breaking the targets. Every time I reached the Final Destination in either Classic or Adventure Mode, I eagerly anticipated my grand fight with either Master Hand and Crazy Hand or Giga Bowser in all of his terribly fury.

Brawling Afar

For all of the flaws this game presents, I can't deny how much I've enjoyed and appreciated my time in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. With co-op included with almost every single-player mode, both my brother and I blasted our way through these fairly quickly. Heck, by the first week since the game's release, we had every character, nearly every stage, and most of the other unlockable features!

Thank goodness for Spring Break! I actually blame this game for our Wii's first break-down...

Brawl was also the springboard that helped me dive into other game series. While I was piqued by the appearances of Ness (I still haven't discovered about him in the original at the time ), Marth and Roy in Melee, it wasn't until I grew really accustomed with Ike, Snake, Samus, and Pit that I wanted to learn more about their respective series. This curiosity helped expand my horizons as a gamer, and I found myself becoming attached to these franchises!

My usual matches with our cousins are of rare occurrences nowadays since we both live in different states now, and it really wouldn't be the same playing online, especially with how terrible it is. However, whenever we visit our smash-bretheren, we always have to scratch that urge to play again. I've always cherished the fleeting moments we have in Brawl since we hardly see each other much; I still remember trapping my older cousin by blocking the safety capsule with the Ice Climbers' Final Smash in the raging hell-fires of Norfair. XD

"THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD DO!!!"

Looking into the next entry

So far, I'm incredibly excited of what I've seen of the latest installment of the series. The current roster and stages list are solid, and while the game isn't exactly polished from a visual perspective, I'm not too worried about that since it will be cleaned up as its release approaches. The fact that this game will have a balance between Melee and Brawl in terms of gameplay and improved online sounds perfect for me!

Once these games arrive, I hope our traditional matches continue with my favorite relatives in the world .

One thing I absolutely love about the Fire Emblem series is being able to consistently create a diverse cast of characters for each entry. There's always something that differentiates them from other characters of their own games and from even other entries, and it makes getting to know these characters an interesting and enjoyable experience. With this blog series, I hope to highlight some of my favorite characters of the franchise.

Warning! Major Spoilers Ahead!

Name: Emmeryn

Origin: Fire Emblem Awakening

Other tid-bits and quirks:

Most resilient member of the Shepherds

Birthday is on December 23rd

Exalt of Ylisse and Chrom and Lissa's eldest sibling

Unlike her tyrannical father, Emmeryn is the embodiment of peace, and she is always forgiving, even if it wasn't deserving. Before the age of ten, her father was killed during the war campaign against Plegia, which nearly drove both nations to the ground. As successor to the throne, her task to bring peace to the war-torn continent was arduous due to unbridled resentment and anger of both peoples pouring onto her.

Against all the odds, this did not stop her from bringing the troops home and earning the adoration of the Ylissean people. Despite the treatment she received from her own followers, she still had it in her heart to forgive them. On the other hand, the Plegians, most notably Gangrel, are still spiteful towards her and would go as far as to send invading troops in an attempt to provoke her. These actions would continue for a few years until the start of Fire Emblem Awakening.

With tension rising between both nations, Emmeryn sends Chrom and the Shepherds to their northern neighbor, Regna Ferox, for militaristic support. As they returned with success on their mission, Gangrel and his forces invaded the region of Themis and abducted the duke's daughter, Maribelle. Even though the Plegian king could not be trusted to act in good faith, Emmeryn still attempted to parley with him, but she was eventually attacked by the Mad King's forces. After the harrowing rescue, they made their return back to the capital, only for a surprise attempt on her life occurred. If it wasn't for the intervention by 'Marth', she would've certainly perished.

“

Chrom, Lissa, and all of my people... know that I've loved you.

As the conflict between Plegia and Ylisse reached to new heights, Emmeryn was escorted by the Shepherds in order to relocate for her safety, having need to return to Regna Ferox right away. However, they were ambushed by the Plegians, and realizing that she left the capitol unprotected, she immediately returned despite Chrom's desperate protests. Not long afterwards, she was captured and sentenced a public execution, much to Gangrel's satisfaction. On the day of judgment, the Shepherds made one last effort to rescue her as she stood on the edifice of the Fell Dragon...

One thing I absolutely love about the Fire Emblem series is being able to consistently create a diverse cast of characters for each entry. There's always something that differentiates them from other characters of their own games and from even other entries, and it makes getting to know these characters an interesting and enjoyable experience. With this blog series, I hope to highlight some of my favorite characters of the franchise.

Warning! Major Spoilers Ahead!

A member of the Serenes Forest's royal family, a nation that once comprised of heron laguz.

Like the dancer classes from previous games, he is incapable of fighting and defending himself, though he offers a variety of support buffs for allies as well.

Before the events of Path of Radiance twenty years ago, the Serenes Forest was home to the peaceful heron laguz; Reyson, along with his siblings and father, grew up in the verdant nation, and he was often seen with his childhood friend, Naesala of the Raven tribe Kilvas, whom he once shared a strong bond with.

One day, however, Apostle Misaha of Begnion was assassinated, and the Heron tribe were blamed for her murder despite the fact that the laguz were incapable of violence, which lead to the Serenes Massacre. After witnessing nearly all of his brethren wiped out in the span of three days, Reyson developed an absolute hatred for the beorc races, especially those from Begnion, and he sought the hawk nation, Phoenicis, for solace.

During his stay, Reyson adopted several quirks from living with the rambunctious hawks, and he revered their king, Tibarn, for his strength and support. This combined with his seemingly gentle appearance makes him stand out among the heron characters, who are known for their serene and frail nature.

With the Daein invasion ongoing, all the laguz leaders met up to discuss the current events when a heated argument occurred between Naesala and Tibarn. After the meeting, Reyson visited and confronted the raven king as to why he provoked the mighty hawk king, and he was led back to the desolate remains of the Serenes Forest. While he stayed at a nearby villa for the night, Reyson found himself captive at Duke Oliver's place the next morning, where he realized that he was sold by Naesala. Outraged, he quickly made his escape into the forest, and he even rejected Ike's assistance.

Finding himself at the heart of the forest, Reyson was determined to perform forbidden magic to end the beorc invaders, but he was talked out of it by Tibarn and his guards Janaff and Ulki. Just when they were about to leave, Reyson took notice of a familiar face, who was being carried and protected by Ike; it is revealed to be his long-lost sister Leanne, and he was grateful to the mercenary for their reunion. She successfully brought out Reyson's forgiving side, and he even accepted the apology of the current Apostle, Sanaki. With the wounds that plagued him for the last twenty years mended, Reyson and Leanne perform the Galdar of Rebirth to restore the Serenes Forest back to its former grandeur.

One thing I absolutely love about the Fire Emblem series is being able to consistently create a diverse cast of characters for each entry. There's always something that differentiates them from other characters of their own games and from even other entries, and it makes getting to know these characters an interesting and enjoyable experience. With this blog series, I hope to highlight some of my favorite characters of the franchise.

Her class is based on the sword-wielding Myrmidons, fighters who deliver quick strikes while able to avoid enemy attacks.

First Lord of the series in the West

While she is of noble lineage from her mother's side, Lyn was born and raised in the vast plains of Sacae, and she lived happily within her father's tribe, the Lorca. One day, however, the nomadic tribe was wiped out by a group of local bandits, leaving Lyn as the sole survivor. Wanting to avenge her parents and brethren, she stumbled upon the tactician lying in the fields, and after rescuing him or her, she was eager to travel with enigmatic character in order to become stronger.

Lyn encountered two Caelin knights, Kent and Sain, as she stopped in town for supplies, and she learned that she is the granddaughter of the Marquess of Caelin, Lord Hausen, and after initially shunning her parents' love many yers ago, he wanted to meet her. However, she soon became aware that her granduncle, Lundgren, was poisoning Hausen, and so she quickly made her way towards Caelin along with her retainers and new allies to defeat her treacherous uncle. During her campaign, she also became acquainted with Eliwood and the siblings Ninian and Nils.

Since the uprising in Caelin, Lyn resided with her grandfather for a year, but the Lycian territory was beset by Laus' forces after Eliwood, Hector, and their company defeated them in their lands. Caught up with these affairs, she joined the two lords in order to save Lord Hausen and continued on after hearing Eliwood's plight to find his father. While trying to find passage to the Dread Isle, Lyn expressed much disdain at the suggestion of booking a ship with pirates, comparing their roguish nature with the bandits; she harbored a bitter resentment because her family was eliminated by them. Despite her protests, she agreed with Eliwood to take the pirates' offer and made their way to sea.

Throughout Lycia, prejudice is prevalent towards the nomads of Sacae, but Lyn is proud of her heritage and doesn't let the derogatory remarks shake her pride. There is also a saying that the plains people never lie, so she is firm to listen to those that share her background, even if they're hostile. This trait also makes her a sincere person that she quickly earns the respect and admiration of many around her.

One thing I absolutely love about the Fire Emblem series is being able to consistently create a diverse cast of characters for each entry. There's always something that differentiates them from other characters of their own games and from even other entries, and it makes getting to know these characters an interesting and enjoyable experience. With this blog series, I hope to highlight some of my favorite characters of the franchise.

Warning! Major Spoilers Ahead!

First and only main character in the series to not bear a noble lineage

His class is reminiscent to the Mercenary/Hero classes from the previous games and is unique for both games

While he bears ties to Crimea, both of his parents were from Daein and was born in Gallia.

Behind the constant scowl on his face is the fearless, compassionate leader of the Greil Mercenaries, who is the main protagonist of the Tellius saga. Initially, Ike was a trainee to his father, for which the company was founded and named after, and he aspired to succeed him as a fighter. Eventually, he joined the ranks of the Mercenaries and took on several missions as a leader, in which Greil hoped would make him capable of bestowing the helm of the company someday.

With the beginning of the Daein invasion, Ike was assigned to investigate a nearby skirmish between the warring parties where he stumbles upon Elincia, who later explained her heritage and that she was being escorted by her retinue of Crimean Royal Knights when they were attacked. Recognizing her plight, Ike was adamant in helping her and refused the second option of giving her over to the Daein soldiers. From here on, the Greil Mercenaries became her escort for the remainder of the game.

Despite being born in Gallia, Ike was unaware of the nation's inhabitants, the beast-tribe laguz, and their strenuous relationship with the beorc (humans), so when he inadvertently made a derogatory remark to the laguz warrior Ranulf, he was quick to apologize. As he became more familiar with the laguz, he learned to treat them no differently than his beorc companions, and he even went out of his way to protect them from the discrimination that is strongly prevalent throughout Tellius.

During their respite, Greil was murdered by the enigmatic Black Knight, leaving the leadership of the Greil Mercenaries on his shoulders. While he sought to avenge his father, he also agreed to return to Crimea and continue on to the Begnion Empire by sea, where it is believed that the theocracy will be able to bolster their liberation forces should they seek their counsel first. He also recognizes that, at his current status, he wouldn't be able to defeat the Daein general, but he hangs onto the holy blade Ragnell for assurance. The journey back to Crimea and the sea voyage also had Ike recognize that not all beorc and laguz races could really be distinctly defined as good or evil, with the treachery of the Crimean citizens at Port Toha and the Raven Laguz plundering every passing ship. In the end, they're all just people to him.

Upon their arrival at the Begnion captial, Ike became riled up and spoke out even against the Apostle Sanaki, also the Empress, when Elincia was ridiculed by the aristocracy. Nonetheless, he grudgingly accepted doing several requests to gain favor of the Empress, and after being promoted to the general of the newly formed Crimean Liberation Army, the long, arduous march to defeat the Mad King Ashnard began, with the Begnion Central Army in tow. During this time, he earned the respect of the Hawk Tribe and their king, Tibarn, after saving the Heron Royal siblings, Reysol and Leanne, from a corrupt Begnion senator, both of whom also revered him.

As the campaign reached its conclusion, Ike finally confronted the Black Knight at Naddos Castle in Crimea, and with Ragnell, he successfully defeated the Daein Rider. With his eyes set on the capital, Melior, Ike was determined to put an end to Ashnard's true motives to embroil the continent in warfare, and alongside him is both beorc and laguz alike to assist him. With his father's teachings and his humility, he is widely respected throughout Tellius, especially once he defeats the Mad King.

Sometime during the three years before the events of Radiant Dawn, Ike renounced his title as a lord and reassembles the Greil Mercenaries. His mercenaries were hired by one of Elincia's retainers, Count Bastian, to thwart the rebellion in Crimea, and they manage to save Lucia from imminent execution. During their brief stay at Melior, Ike is immediately notified by Elincia that the Black Knight is once again sighted in Daein's emancipation, and while he intends to search him out once again, the Greil Mercenaries are quickly contracted by the Laguz Alliance in their war against the Begnion Empire.

Initially, Ike was hesitant to fight against Begnion because of the allies he made there, but ultimately, he sided with the laguz, understanding their outrage by the heinous acts the senators committed. Throughout the conflict, he is forced to confront his former allies from the previous war, and even though he did attempt to persuade them to leave, he does not relent against fighting them either. With Daein's sudden involvement in the war, he does not want the bloodshed to continue between both armies as the army needed to head to Begnion right away, and he tried to convince Micaiah to stop the senseless fighting to no avail.